Purpose of the Session

This workshop will celebrate and strengthen people-driven contributions to migratory bird conservation through community science, outreach, and education. Participants will explore how individuals, communities, educators, and organizations across the Caribbean are helping build the knowledge base needed to protect migratory birds and their habitats across borders.

Background and Rationale

As migratory bird populations face increasing pressures from habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and other threats, community science and public engagement have become more important than ever. Across the Caribbean, local communities, educators, conservation organizations, and volunteers are playing a critical role in collecting data, raising awareness, and inspiring conservation action.

This workshop aligns closely with the 2026 World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”, which highlights the importance of people-driven conservation efforts and community science contributions around the world. By connecting local actions to global conservation goals, WMBD helps strengthen environmental awareness, regional collaboration, and public participation in bird conservation.

The session will showcase successful WMBD initiatives from the Caribbean and beyond while providing participants with tools, educational materials, and practical approaches for planning and leading effective community science and outreach activities.

Session Objectives

• Share the 2026 WMBD conservation theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”
• Celebrate the role of individuals and communities in migratory bird conservation
• Showcase successful WMBD activities and events from the Caribbean and other regions
• Train participants in outreach, education, communication, and community science approaches
• Demonstrate how to use WMBD educational materials and citizen science tools to engage diverse audiences

Session Structure and Format

This interactive workshop will feature a series of short presentations, practical demonstrations, and group discussion. Topics will include the importance of community science, examples of successful World Migratory Bird Day activities in the Caribbean, strategies for engaging communities and schools, and approaches for organizing impactful outreach events.

Participants will also receive demonstrations of WMBD educational materials, outreach resources, and “Happy Kits,” along with guidance on how to use these tools to engage participants of all ages in bird conservation and community science activities.

The workshop will conclude with a question-and-answer session and discussion focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing lessons learned, and expanding World Migratory Bird Day participation across the Caribbean.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, educators, outreach professionals, students, early-career professionals, ecotourism and bird guides, and members of the general public.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased participant knowledge of World Migratory Bird Day and community science initiatives
• Improved capacity to organize outreach and citizen science activities in local communities
• Expanded use of WMBD educational materials and tools across the Caribbean
• Strengthened regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators and conservation practitioners
• Greater public engagement and participation in migratory bird conservation efforts